Florida Sportsmedicine and Orthopaedics

It’s never fun to take your children to the doctor for knee pain, especially if you don’t exactly know what is causing it. Not knowing what could be causing their debilitating pain can be worrisome and stressful, which can actually make the pain worse. Knee pain, along with other joint pain that comes on, are usually noticeably present after some sort of sudden injury or activity. In 1903, Dr. Robert Bayley Osgood and Dr. Carl Schlatter discovered the condition known today as Osgood-Schlatter’s Disease.

Unlike its name, Osgood-Schlatter’s Disease (OSD) is not actually a disease, but actually an injury caused by overuse and stress. This is one of the most common types of knee pain in adolescents 8-15 years old. Osgood-Schlatter’s disease is when inflammation and pain occurs where the patella (tendon that attaches the quadricep muscles to the kneecap) attaches to the shinbone (tibia). This is called apophysitis of the tibia tubercle.

In other words, OSD occurs when a painful bump forms just below the knee or shinbone, called a tibial tubercle. When the patellar tendon tugs on this, your knee becomes strained. Osgood-Schlatter’s Disease becomes worse when continuing physical activities. One knee is usually affected, but it is possible that it can be both that are affected.

As kids have growth spurts, OSD can be a common occurrence. As kids are active, especially those participating in sports, their bones, muscles, and tendons are constantly growing and changing, but not at the same time. This often causes weakness, and places stress on the growth plate at the shinbone.  Symptoms of OSD include:

·         Pain, swelling, or tenderness below the knee

·         Pain that becomes worse during activities such as running and jumping

·         Limping after physical activity

To diagnose OSD, the doctor will examine the knee, and perform diagnostic tests such as X-rays, to help find the direct cause of pain. Depending on how severe the case of Osgood-Schlatter’s disease is, the more they may need to refrain from activity, and rest the knees.

To learn more about Osgood-Schlatter’s Disease, call Florida Sportsmedicine and Orthopedics at (850) 763-0346 to request an appointment, or request one online.  

Surgical procedures, while familiar to medical professionals and specialists, are often wholly unfamiliar to patients about to undergo them. Many patients have a veritable mountain of questions, but may be hesitant to ask because they feel embarrassed about not knowing. You should never forgo asking questions about your own body and any medical or surgical testing or procedures you may have. Here are some guidelines about the kinds of questions you might want to ask your orthopedic surgeon about prior to surgery:

Questions to ask your orthopaedic surgeon prior to surgery

·       What procedure is being recommended? First and foremost, patients need to understand why the procedure is recommended and what to expect, before, during and after the procedure.  You can also ask your doctor to provide material such as videos or articles that can answer general questions about tests, conditions and other common topics related to your procedure. Some patients take this opportunity to ask if there are other procedures that can achieve the same means, and why their doctor favors this operation over others.

·       Is there a nonsurgical alternative to my procedure? Sometimes there can be nonsurgical or minimally invasive alternatives to procedure, such as diet and lifestyle changes, injections, medications, physical therapy or other treatment options. Many patients discuss in depth what all their options are with their care provider, so that they go into a procedure with the best knowledge possible. Remember however, that sometimes surgery is the best option available, and only trained medical professionals are qualified to determine what procedure, if any, is right for you.

·       How will having the procedure benefit me? Many patients may be wondering what the long-term positive effects of having the procedure may be, and this poses a wonderful question to ask your care provider. He or she will be happy to discuss in depth with you the benefits of undergoing the chosen procedure. In some cases, the benefits may include restoration of function and range of motion, pain relief or the prevention of further complications. 

·       What are the risks? Many patients find themselves concerned about the risks of having a procedure, and opt to asking their doctor just what can happen during the procedure. While every surgery carries some risk, many procedures are considered quite safe, and your doctor can advise you about your probably outcome.

·       Where will the surgery be performed? Sometimes, procedures are performed at what is known as an outpatient facility, although the surgery may be performed in a hospital. It is always a clever idea to be certain about the specifics of your procedure, so be sure to know exactly when and where the surgery will be performed.

·       What can I expect during recovery? Specifics including recovery time, the involvement of physical therapy, decreased workload, or any other recovery limitations can be discussed in depth with your doctor.

To find out more or schedule an appointment, please call our office today at (850) 763-0346 or request an appointment online. At Florida Sports Medicine & Orthopedics, we are here, to help you heal.

Arthroscopic surgery utilizes highly specialized tools that allow the surgeon to peer inside joints and around tissues, as minimally invasive as possible. Appropriately enough, the very word “arthroscopy” comes from two Greek words that literally mean “to look within the joint.” By inserting a lighted miniature camera that is roughly the diameter of a pencil into a small incision, the doctor can get an inside look at structures without having to cut through additional layers of muscle, blood vessels, nerves, ligaments and tendons. Most procedures require only 3 to 4 small incisions around the area (or joint) being treated. The incisions themselves are usually about a half inch each and require only a few stitches to close.

Tiny, Sophisticated Tools That Heal

Once in place, the flexible camera transmits high definition images to an overhead monitor. Using sophisticated, yet tiny, surgical instruments, a skilled surgeon can cut, smooth, stich or otherwise repair inside the body with less trauma to surrounding tissues. In the past, gaining access to joints and internal structures such as bone and ligaments required “open” procedures, which took more stiches to close, carried a higher risk of infection and took longer to heal.

Additionally, arthroscopic procedures take less time to complete, which means that patients are under sedation for less time. Because of these factors, many arthroscopic procedures can be performed on an out-patient basis. Depending on the specific arthroscopic procedure, patients usually require between 4-6 weeks to heal enough to return to routine activities or work.

Patients who undergo arthroscopic knee surgery, for instance, can usually place some degree of weight on their knee within hours of the procedure and may only require a cane, crutches or walker to assist them. Most patients may also require some additional physical therapy to strengthen the area that was repaired. (Advanced arthroscopic surgical procedures can be used to treat joints of the shoulder, knee, elbow, ankle, wrist and hip.)

Whether you are suffering from a work-related accident or a traumatic sports related injury, or you just need minimally invasive treatment to deal with a torn meniscus in your knee, arthroscopic surgical procedures may be precisely what the doctor ordered. One thing is certain, when it comes to your body, you should always seek the most qualified and experienced surgeon for your care.

Dr. James Talkington is a board-certified orthopedic surgeon with a conservative approach to orthopedic care. He always seeks to heal without surgery whenever possible. No matter what your condition, he will take the time to answer your questions so that you can make an informed decision. Dr. Talkington specializes in minimally invasive procedures that have the highest rate of positive outcomes.

At Florida Sports Medicine and Orthopaedics in Panama City, Florida, we understand that you have a life to lead. We offer the sophisticated, compassionate care you need to get back into gear after an illness or injury. To find out more or schedule an appointment, please call our office today at (850) 763-0346 or request an appointment online. At Florida Sports Medicine and Orthopaedics, we help you heal.

Our feet manage the weight of our entire body for hours at a time, so taking care of your foot and ankles are important. While your ankles are one of the toughest joints in your body, improper care often leads to the motion to become stiff and painful. Caring for your ankles isn’t hard to do, but are your shoes allowing you to care for your ankles properly?

Flip Flops and Sandals

Flip flops are often people’s go-to footwear for warm weather, especially here in Florida where wearing flip flops and sandals aren’t just beachwear, but common for all types of events. However, the problem when it comes to flip flops and sandals stem from the fact that these types of shoes provide inadequate support. This can often lead to pain and disorders such as plantar fasciitis.

Ballet Flats

Ballet Flats, like flip flops and sandals, provide little to no support for your feet. Additionally, new ballet flats are hard to break in and often cause additional sores and blisters around the ankle and toes.

Heels

While we all already knew that heals weren’t the best option for ankle care, some women still wear these on a daily basis. The problem with heels is that they create pressure on the front of the feet leaving you at risk for bunions and other conditions. Heels also constrict our Achilles tendon, therefore, creating an over-extension issue when it comes to their removal.

Platform Shoes

You may think that platform shoes are better for your ankles – after all, they are more comfortable, right? Well no. The problem with platform shoes lays in the height of the shoes; the higher the heel, the higher the risk of ankle instability. Ankle instability could lead to ankle sprain.

Worn-Out Shoes

Remember those shoes you are almost ashamed to wear but you just love too much to throw away? Well those need to go, as they are hurting your ankles. Worn out shoes provide little or no shock absorption, which could make using these painful.

Picking out the right pair of shoes might be difficult for you, but talking to a foot and ankle specialist can make it so much easier. To schedule an appointment with Dr. James Talkington at Florida Sports Medicine & Orthopaedics in Panama City, FL please call us at (850)763-0346 or request an appointment online.

We would usually never give a second thought to the complex ankle joints within their feet, unless we have had an injury or condition affecting the ankle. The ankle’s job however, is critical to standing, walking and running. While the ankle consists of three bones, the tibia, fibula, and the talus, it also directly articulates with the foot, which contains an intricate network of bones and joints. Every day, your ankles carry a tremendous stress load, balancing your weight, creating leverage that allows you to step, as well as providing cushioning for movements.

Exercising and caring for your ankles can help you keep them in top form. As with any exercise, be sure to talk to your health care provider before starting any form of conditioning program. Additionally, if you encounter any pain, stop immediately.   

Exercises to Help Condition Your Ankles:

Single Leg Good Mornings - This is a simple, all around ankle exercise that does not require equipment. Start by bending forward while standing on one leg, making sure to maintain the natural position of your spine. Straighten back up to your original position. As simple as it sounds, it can prove to be a challenge if your ankles are weak. Try to do 15 reps, or simply keep going until you feel fatigued.

Balancing Disk - Using a balance disk or wobble cushion (a round inflatable disk, strong enough to sit or stand on while creating an unstable surface), can help you strengthen your ankles. Make sure to properly brace yourself in order to avoid injury, then try balancing yourself on one foot as long as you can. Repeat up to five times for optimum results.

Resisted Eversion with A Band - Fix the band to something sturdy and close to the ground on the inside of your foot. Wrap the other end of the band around your foot. Pull your foot out, to create tension in the band, and then rotate the foot so the sole is facing out. Slowly return to your original position. Repeated ten times is a set. Three sets will provide maximum results.

Single Leg Medicine Ball Toss - For this you will need a partner and a medicine ball. Square off with your partner, and then toss the medicine ball back and forth maintaining balance on one leg. To make it a bit more challenging, try balancing on a foam pad. Try five rounds of sixty second bursts.

If you have an ankle injury or condition that is limiting your movement or causing you pain, you should make an appointment to see a qualified orthopedic surgeon to determine the underlying cause and receive proper treatment. To find out more or to schedule an appointment, please call our office today at (850) 763-0346 or request an appointment online. At Florida Sports Medicine and Orthopedics, we are here to help you heal.